Novel undergarment and gusset therefor

ABSTRACT

An improved, substantially elongated gusset and/or crotch panel, incorporated into garments for humans&#39; lower bodies. This novel, uniquely shaped, and scaled gusset significantly enhances wearers&#39; comfort by eliminating seams, material transitions, stitching, and other mechanisms or methods of attachment from within the boundaries of a defined protected region, which coincides with the wearer&#39;s sensitive genital area. The gusset is preferably constructed from at least one layer of material, and may feature additional layers. In preferred embodiments, the elongated gusset and/or crotch panel is incorporated into girl/boy short-style undergarments, bikini-style undergarments, thong-style undergarments, pajama-bottom style garments, pantyhose-style garments, shape-wear-style garments, athletic-style garments, medical-type garments, and other lower-body garments.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/211,925 filed on Aug. 17, 2011.

Each of the above referenced applications is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to garments for humans' lower bodies,and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a novel substantiallyelongated gusset that is incorporated into said garments, where saidgusset substantially increases comfort to the wearer through theimprovement of, among other aspects, relocating anterior gusset edges,seams, material transitions, and implements of attachment outside of adefined protected region coinciding with the wearer's sensitive genitalregion.

There are several varieties of women's undergarments currentlycommercially available. Among currently available styles are: hipsters,bikinis, thongs, g-strings, tangas, boy/girl-shorts, hot pants, granniesand c-strings, as well as adhesive varieties, including styles thatadhere directly to the body, and those that are applied directly toouter garments. Despite variations in the cut, shape, fabric, etc.,among different brands and styles of women's undergarments, currentlyavailable designs feature similar crotch panels and gussets that do notoffer the wearer an optimal level of comfort.

Gussets are generally rectangular, diamond-shaped, triangular, or squarepieces of material which are sewn onto the crotch panel ofundergarments, or inserted into seams to add breadth, reduce stress, orcover joints.

Currently known, available incarnations of undergarments incorporategussets, crotch region pieces and/or gusset liners that are highlyproblematic in that they are designed and constructed in a manner suchthat the edges of the gusset, the material transitions between thegusset and garment body material, and the seams and stitching whichserves to attach the pieces all exist within a sensitive genital regionof the wearer, causing discomfort, abrasion, and irritation.

For most known, currently available boy/girl-short styles ofundergarments, the body of the undergarment is constructed from multiplepattern pieces that are sewn together in the crotch region, with thejuncture of the pattern pieces being inopportunely located within thewearer's sensitive genital region. In known, prior garments, a smallgusset may be attached to the crotch region of the garment in at leastone location, which serves to attempt to shield the wearer's sensitivegenital region from the seams linking the multiple body pattern pieces.However, the seams are raised, raw, rough, and located on the inner faceof the garment, and as a result of the uniting of separate patternpieces and their respective edges, the seams are resultantly thicker,more irregularly textured, and consequently more tactilely detectable.This renders contact with them more irritating, abrasive, andundesirable than contact with an expanse of flat, seamless fabric. Insuch garments, even a larger gusset does not adequately compensate forthe thickness and presence of the ridges generated by the seamsresulting from the joined pattern pieces, which thereby cause discomfortfor the wearer, despite the presence of any overlaid gusset.

In currently available undergarments, the second ply of the gusset orgusset liner may either be stitched to the body of the undergarment onall four sides or left unsecured at the top front edge, thereby creatinga flap of fabric with an irregular textured edge. Whether secured orleft as untethered flaps, the front edges of the gussets in known,current products do not extend far enough toward the front of theundergarments, toward the navel and the waistband, such that these edgesdirectly contact wearers' genital region and can cause chafing anddiscomfort.

Additionally, many undergarments feature designs where the gusset and/orcrotch panel pieces are fashioned from one fabric, and the body piecesof the garment are constructed from another fabric that is less suitablein texture and composition for the genital region. Since the gussets inthese products do not extend far enough up the front inner face of thegarment toward the navel, the transition from the gusset fabric to thebody fabric typically occurs well within the sensitive genital region,such that the wearer's sensitive genital region is forced into directcontact with the seams generated by the fabric transition and thepotentially uncomfortable body fabric.

Moreover, many existing undergarments for women suffer from design flawsthat cause them to migrate up the wearer's body and become wedged intothe crevice between the buttocks. Specifically, many existingboy/girl-short undergarment designs feature a vertical seam that joinsthe multiple body pattern pieces which runs along the midline of thefront and/or rear faces of the body of the undergarment. The location ofthis seam directly between the wearer's buttocks often causes thegarment to migrate inward, and eventually settle between the buttocks.Furthermore, as existing gussets and/or crotch panels are ofinsufficient size, they do not impede the progression of the seams ofthe undergarment as it rides up the wearer's body and lodges into thecrevice between the wearer's labia.

In order to prevent upwards migration of bikini-style undergarments, thecurrent state of the art is to line the circumference of the legopenings with rubberized, plastic, or silicone nonslip treads. Thesetreads can cause skin irritation, ingrown hairs, and/or roll upwards ifdisplaced through movement or friction with clothing, which consequentlyrenders said leg bands ineffective. The spatial orientation of currentlyavailable rubber treads and elastic leg bands on current undergarmentstyles do not adequately and successfully anchor the undergarment inplace, and therefore do not sufficiently prevent upwards migration.Additionally, these rubber and plasticized treads and elasticized legbands often result in undesirable garment demarcation lines that areoften easily visible through outer clothing.

There are also several varieties and styles of undergarments thatpurportedly shape the human form, and minimize the appearance of certainbodily areas, such as the thighs, buttocks, or “saddlebags,” which arecommonly understood to be the region surrounding the junction of theupper leg and the bottom of the buttock. However, these undergarmentsare constrictive by necessity of their design and generally made fromnon-breathable, synthetic fabrics. Most importantly, these products havegussets of insufficient size that fail to protect the wearer fromuncomfortably located fabric transitions and seams.

There are also existing styles of undergarments that are designed toreduce the appearance of undergarment lines through outer clothing andprovide increased comfort to the wearer. They are generally promoted asbeing “ultra thin,” or “like wearing nothing at all.” Such products donot, however, aid in improving the appearance of the wearer's body,prevent upwards migration, or in reality, offer any meaningfulenhancement to the wearer's comfort.

In fact, the sensitive genital region actually benefits from moreprotection against outer garments, not less. Since outerwear is usuallyconstructed from thicker, rougher textiles, it generally results inthicker, rougher seams. A thinner, flimsier undergarment garment offersless protection from these seams, which subsequently offers the wearer alower level of comfort.

Additionally, many of these undergarments are constructed from syntheticmaterials, which result in reduced breathability and thus render thewearer more prone to an imbalance in personal body chemistry, whichultimately places the wearer at risk for developing vaginal infections.The thinness of the body fabric and the lack of sturdy anchoring leg orwaistbands may also cause these undergarments to displace during wear.

Some esoteric styles of undergarments are designed for and marketed topopulations who engage in specialty athletic pursuits, such as biking,equestrian sports, or any other sports which cause predictablerepetitive impact or periods of prolonged direct pressure on the genitalregion. These garments typically feature a more utilitarian appearance,and often employ thickened and padded gussets, as well as additionalthickened and padded regions, which exist for the purpose of protectingthe wearer from genital injury that would reasonably be expected to besustained as a direct result of participating in their respectiveathletic activity. The synthetic fabrics, padding and thickened regionsalso serve to trap body heat, which results in the wearer experiencingan elevation in temperature perception. Although mesh panels aresometimes incorporated to counteract the accumulation of heat, it is animperfect remedy, and one which also results in demarcation lines andpatterns that are detectable through outer clothing. These specializedgarments are designed to maximize athletic performance and experience,not to increase the comfort level of the wearer's entire genital regionin a non-athletic setting. They are not designed or suitable for regulardaily wear, under normal outerwear, over extended periods of time.

Existing styles of pajama bottoms also suffer from many of theshortcomings described above. Traditionally, pajama bottoms areconstructed from two leg pattern pieces sewn together which are thenjoined at the crotch with an “X” shaped seam, then attached to awaistband section. Typically, the “X” shaped seam runs directly throughand directly bisects the crotch area, in a manner where the raw seams,which are located on the inside of the garment, are directly centered onthe most sensitive area in the entire genital region. The presence ofraised, raw, abrasive, uncovered seams in this area does not offeroptimal comfort for the wearer. Furthermore, a wearer's movements duringsitting and/or sleep can cause the crotch panel of the garment to rideupwards and into direct contact with the wearer's sensitive genitalregion, often becoming painfully wedged in the crevice between thebuttocks, and/or the labia. Existing pajama bottoms do not feature astrategy to protect the wearer's genital region from these exceptionallyuncomfortable, raw, rough, uncovered seams and exposed stitching.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved elongated gusset that isincorporated into a garment, preferably for women, featuring gussetand/or crotch panel attachment seams, pattern piece junctions andmaterial transitions that are located exclusively outside of a defined“protected region,” which is generally defined as the sensitive genitalregion that includes, but is not limited to, the Mons Veneris, the MonsPubis, the pudendal cleft, the anterior labial commisure, the angle ofthe clitoris, the prepuce, the clitoral hood, and the vulva. Gussets,gusset liners, and crotch panels, as those terms are used herein,include the pieces, sections, segments or expanses of material which areutilized in a garment within a crotch region of a wearer, or thatcontact or cover at least a portion of the area identified as theprotected region.

A preferred gusset of the present invention is made from at least onelayer of material and extends further up the inner front and/or rearfaces of the body piece(s) of said undergarment than in the prior art.All four edges of the gusset, or gusset liner in a multi-ply embodiment,may be attached to the body of the undergarment. The waistband can bemade from or with stretchable material, and is situated high enough onthe body, anterior to the Mons Veneris and Pubis so that attachment tothe body of the garment is outside of the protected region. Someembodiments of the invention feature an undergarment with stretchableleg bands. The invention also encompasses the design for an elongatedgusset that comprises the crotch panel of garments for humans' lowerbodies, and methodology of construction that serves to shield thewearer's protected region from exposed, raw seams. In one suchmethodology, seams impacting the protected region are located on theouter face of the garment, to provide superior comfort.

The present invention provides several significant advantages over theprior art. First, the invention eliminates contact between the wearer'sprotected region and any seams, flaps, ridges, fabric transitions, orstitching. This is due, among other features, principally to theelongation of the gusset to a length where its edges and attachmentseams fall well outside the protected region.

Second, the elongated gusset of the present invention increases comfortby more extensively shielding a greater surface area of the wearer'sgenitalia from the material comprising the body of the undergarment,than in the prior art. A larger, elongated gusset enables more of theprotected region to be in direct contact with the often softer and moretexturally appealing gusset material. This design thereby preventsuncomfortable transitions between the gusset piece material and the bodypiece material within the protected region.

Third, this invention allows for removal of seams from the protectedregion, which increases the wearer's comfort.

Fourth, in most preferred embodiments, this invention eliminatesvertical seams from between the wearer's buttocks, thereby reducing thegarment's ability to migrate upwards and settle in undesirablelocations.

Fifth, stretchable leg bands featured on certain embodiments grip thewearer's body without being constrictive, thereby anchoring the garmentin its proper position and reducing the garment's upwards migration, andsubsequently settling into the cleft between the buttocks.

Sixth, the strategic location of said leg bands serves to reduce theappearance of demarcation lines visible through outer clothing. This isaccomplished by locating the transition from the body of theundergarment to the leg band within the crease where the wearer'sbuttocks meet the top of the wearer's leg. These leg bands also serve tocamouflage cellulite on and/or contain the shape of the wearer's upperleg area, which many people find to be aesthetically problematic.

Additionally, removing seams from the Mons Veneris and Pubis serves toreduce irritation from hair regrowth which is problematic for those whoelect to engage in the practice of pubic hair removal.

Finally, the elongated gusset, as incorporated into garment bottoms,provides an improved, flat, seamless platform within the boundaries ofthe protected region, that prevents the gusset and or crotch panel frommigrating too far upwards and settling into creases of the wearer'sgenitalia. It also provides a soft, flat, seamless platform for thegenital region to eventually come to rest upon when the fabric panelinevitably makes contact with the wearer's body. This design alsoimproves the wearer's comfort by featuring seams that are only locatedoutside of the specified protected region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the pattern pieces that comprise the body of anundergarment for women into which the elongated gusset piece isincorporated, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a single body pattern piece with twonon-symmetrical halves relative to a horizontal axis, and identifies ageneral protected region, in accordance with one preferred embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an elongated gusset piece with afront edge having an outline of a recognizable shape, as incorporatedinto an undergarment for women constructed from a single body patternpiece, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an elongated gusset piece with top portionforming an outline of a recognizable shape, in accordance with onepreferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A is a front elevation view of the elongated gusset piece shown inFIG. 4 which may be constructed from multiple layers.

FIG. 4B is a rear elevation view of the elongated gusset piece shown inFIG. 4 which may be constructed from multiple layers.

FIG. 4C is a right and left side elevation view of the elongated gussetpiece shown in FIG. 4 which may be constructed from multiple layers.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of an elongated gusset piece asattached onto a body pattern piece of commensurate size, which was thenattached to a stretchable waistband loop, in accordance with onepreferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a gusset, which was formed by attaching anelongated gusset liner pattern piece onto a body pattern piece ofcommensurate size, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 6A is a front elevation view of the gusset shown in FIG. 6 whichmay be constructed from multiple fabric layers.

FIG. 6B is a rear elevation view of the gusset shown in FIG. 6 which maybe constructed from multiple fabric layers.

FIG. 6C is a right and left side elevation view of the gusset shown inFIG. 6 which may be constructed from multiple fabric layers.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the gusset shown in FIG. 6 withoutthe waistband.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of an elongated single-ply gussetpiece, as affixed to a boy/girl short-style undergarment for women, inaccordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an elongated gusset piece as shown in FIG. 8,in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of an elongated gusset piece with afront edge having an outline of a recognizable shape, as affixed to abikini-style undergarment, and constructed from a single body patternpiece, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of an elongated gusset piece with top portionforming an outline of a recognizable shape, in accordance with onepreferred embodiment of the invention as seen in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11A is a front elevation view of the elongated gusset piece shownin FIG. 11 which may be constructed from multiple layers.

FIG. 11B is a rear elevation view of the elongated gusset piece shown inFIG. 11 which may be constructed from multiple layers.

FIG. 11C is a right and left side elevation view of the elongated gussetpiece shown in FIG. 11 which may be constructed from multiple layers.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of an elongated gusset pattern piece having acentral rectangular section and front and rear sections with curvededges, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12A is a front elevation view of the elongated gusset pattern pieceshown in FIG. 12 which may be constructed from multiple layers.

FIG. 12B is a rear elevation view of the elongated gusset pattern pieceshown in FIG. 12 which may be constructed from multiple layers.

FIG. 12C is a right and left side elevation view of the elongated gussetpattern piece shown in FIG. 12 which may be constructed from multiplelayers.

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the elongated gusset pattern pieceshown in FIG. 12 as incorporated into garment bottoms, in accordancewith one preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of garment bottoms with raw seams moved tothe exterior face of the garment out of direct contact with sensitivegenital protected region.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 14 takenalong the line 15-15.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 14 takenalong the line 16-16.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 14 asreferenced in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a pajama pants embodiment of theinvention with a substantially rectangular gusset piece.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 18 along the line 19-19of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the embodimentof FIG. 18 showing a 2-ply gusset with a pant leg.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of FIG. 20as referenced in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a perspective exploded view of the pieces of a pajama pantsembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of two thong gusset pattern pieces beingattached together along three edges outside the sensitive protectedregion of a wearer, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the two attached thong gusset patternpieces of FIG. 23 being turned inside out.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a thong gusset having all seamsconcealed as a result of turning the gusset inside out, as shown in FIG.24.

FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of an elongated gusset piece, asincorporated into an undergarment, in accordance with one preferredembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 27 is a plan view of an elongated gusset piece, in accordance withone preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 27A is a front elevation view of the elongated gusset piece shownin FIG. 27 which may be constructed from multiple layers.

FIG. 27B is a rear elevation view of the elongated gusset piece shown inFIG. 27 which may be constructed from multiple layers.

FIG. 27C is a right and left side elevation view of the elongated gussetpiece shown in FIG. 27 which may be constructed from multiple layers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In a first preferred embodiment (“girl short #1”), there are three bodypattern pieces as shown in FIG. 1: an elongated gusset pattern piece 1,a front pattern piece 2, and a rear pattern piece 3. Front pattern piece2 and rear pattern piece 3 are attached along the sides 4 of the legs,parallel to the wearer's hips. Gusset pattern piece 1 can be constructedfrom a single layer of any material, including the same fabric as thebody pieces, and of any suitable material, such as but not limited tocotton, silk, modal or bamboo. Gusset pattern piece 1 can also compriseone or multiple layers of material, which can be the same or differentmaterial than the rest of the garment. As shown, gusset pattern piece 1is placed on top of the inner face of one additional gusset patternpiece and attached along its edges, thereby forming a multi-ply gusset1. Gusset 1 can also be cut into a recognizable shape, such as theoutline of a logo icon, or any recognizable shape, figure, or outline Asseen in FIG. 1, the top portion 6 of gusset 1 forms the outline of afeline shape. Front pattern piece 2 features a cut-out 7, where topportion 6 of gusset 1 substantially nests with cut-out 7 in such a waythat there is slight overlap for attachment. Gusset 1 is placed overcut-out 7 on front pattern piece 2 and attached along the overlap ornesting area. Cut-out 7 on front pattern piece 2 preferably extends asufficient distance up the inner front face 8 of front pattern piece 2toward the waistband, so as to avoid stitching, seams, fabrictransitions, or other discomfort-causing phenomena within the protectedregion 11, as shown in FIG. 2. It has been determined that a gussetextending from a bottom edge of an undergarment, (as when it is on aflat surface where the 2 leg openings are situated next to each other)to approximately 75% towards the waistband will generally avoid theprotected region. Of course, depending upon the size of and rise of thegarment and the wearer, the gusset may extend from approximately 33% to100%. Rear pattern piece 3 also features a cut-out 9, where the rearportion 10 of gusset 1 fits into cut-out 9 in such a way that there isslight overlap for attachment. Rear portion 10 of gusset 1 is attachedto rear pattern piece 3 along this slight overlap, such that theresulting material juncture seam is located outside of protected region11.

In a second preferred embodiment (“girl short #2”), as seen in FIG. 2,there is a single body pattern piece 12 with two non-symmetrical halves(relative to a horizontal axis 13) that is folded over horizontal axis13 and attached along the sides 14, parallel to the wearer's hips, toform the body of the undergarment 15, as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly,there are no seams along the front face 16 or rear face 17 ofundergarment body 15, or in protected region 11. An elongated gussetpiece 18 (such as shown, for example in FIGS. 3, 4) may be affixed tothe middle section 19 of body piece 12, such that the attachment runsalong the top and bottom, or along the four edges, of gusset piece 18.Gusset piece 18 can become wider as it extends outward along inner frontface 16 and rear face 17 of the body piece 12 toward the waistband 21.The front edge 22 of gusset piece 18 extends at least to a point aboveprotected region 11, and extends sufficiently up inner front face 16 ofbody piece 12 toward waistband 21. The rear edge 23 of gusset 18 isattached to body piece 12, also outside of protected region 11, as seenin FIG. 3. Front edge 22 of gusset piece 18 can be fashioned into arecognizable shape, or figure, or outline, such as the outline of a logoicon, with front edge 22 of gusset piece 18 preferably extending atleast up inner front face 16 of body piece 12 to be outside protectedregion 11. As shown, gusset piece 18 extends approximately 83% from thebottom edge of garment 15 to the waistband. Gusset piece 18 can beconstructed from a single layer, or multiple layers, of any, materialincluding the same material as body piece 12, such as but not limited tocotton, silk, modal, or bamboo, or any other fabric or material.

For both the first and second preferred embodiments, body pieces 2, 3,12, 15 of the undergarments can be made from one or more of a multitudeof materials, including but not limited to cotton, polyester, lace,silk, modal, bamboo, rayon, lycra, or spandex. Stretchable waistband 21can be included around the upper circumference of body 15 of theundergarment. Stretchable leg bands 24 can also be attached around thecircumference of each leg hole, where leg bands 24 and leg portions ofthe undergarment have varying dimensions, which are properly scaled andadjusted for varying material elasticity so as to accommodate the legcircumference of wearers sized 0-24, and XS through XXL. Leg bands 24can preferably be made from material that camouflages and/or containsperceived imperfections on the wearer's upper thigh and lower buttockregion.

In a third preferred embodiment (“the thong”), as shown in FIGS. 5-7,the body 26 of the gusset is preferably cut from a single pattern piece.Across a vertical axis 27 of body pattern piece 26, there are twosubstantially symmetrical halves. The vertical outer edge 33 of eachhalf is generally concave. The horizontal edge 29 at the top of bodypattern piece 26 is preferably approximately 6 inches, and thehorizontal edge 30 at the bottom of body pattern piece 26 isapproximately 2 inches, but the dimensions can range from about ½ inchto about 8 inches or more. The width 31 at the narrowest point of thecrotch region of body pattern piece 26 is preferably approximately ½inch and most preferably within the range of ½ to 2 inches. The lengthof body pattern piece 26 between the horizontal top edge 29 of bodypattern piece 26 and the horizontal bottom edge 30 of body pattern piece26 is preferably approximately 11 inches. Preferably, the dimensions ofthe pattern piece can vary as the undergarment into which it isincorporated increases or decreases in size, but the pattern piece willgenerally retain the preferred relative proportions.

Maintaining width 31 while increasing the length of horizontal edge atbottom 30 of body pattern piece 26 provides greater surface area on whatwill become the rear outer face of the undergarment, which preferablywill provide space for the placement of a logo icon or other identifyingcharacteristic 36, as seen in FIG. 7. Body pattern piece 26 can be madefrom many different possible materials, including any fabric, such asbut not limited to cotton, polyester, lace, silk, modal, lace, or rayon,but the entire body piece 26 is preferably comprised of one or morelayers of material, in which all layers are individually comprised of asingle piece of the utilized material. Additional gusset liner patternpieces may be cut to be commensurate in size with the dimensions of bodypattern piece 26. Multiple gusset liner pattern pieces may comprise orbe placed on top of the inner face of the body pattern piece 26 andattached along their outermost borders 33 outside protected region 11,thereby forming a one-, or multiply gusset 34 (see FIG. 7). Gusset linerpattern pieces 26 can be constructed from a single piece of anymaterial, or may be multiple layers of any material, preferably and suchas but not limited to cotton, silk, modal, bamboo, or rayon. The top andbottom edges 29, 30 of gusset 26 are attached to opposite sides of astretchable waistband loop 37, which may be made from stretchablematerial, such that the resulting article is a thong-style undergarment(see FIG. 5). Due to the single body pattern piece 26 and overlaidgusset liner design, there are no seams in protected region 11 and nouncomfortable transitions from the gusset or gusset liner material tothe body material anywhere within the borders of the protected sensitivegenital region 11.

In a fourth preferred embodiment, as seen with reference to FIGS. 8 and9, a boy/girl-shorts style garment 32 includes a preferably one- ormulti-ply gusset 28. Gusset 28 extends from a point towards the bottomand rear of the garment 32 outside of the protected area 11 to a pointat the front of garment 32 substantially at waistband 37. Preferably,garment 32 consists of just two body pieces 28, 55 of material attachedonly along the edges 50, 51, and 52 of gusset 28. Also preferably,gusset 28 liner is single-ply material, but may comprise multiple pliesof any material.

In a fifth preferred embodiment (“the bikini-style”), as seen in FIG.10, the elongated gusset 20 is incorporated into a low-rise,“bikini-style” undergarment 25. The body of the undergarment can beconstructed from multiple pattern pieces or a single pattern piece, asdescribed above in preferred embodiments one and two, respectively.Gusset 20 can be made from a single layer of any material, or multiplelayers of one type of material, including but not limited to anymaterial, such as cotton, silk, modal, or bamboo. Alternatively, gusset20 can be made from any number of layers, where some, all, or none ofthe layers are made from the same material.

In a sixth preferred embodiment (“pajama bottoms #1”), as shown in FIGS.12 and 13, an elongated gusset 38 (see FIG. 12) comprises a crotch panelof a lower body garment. Gusset 38 can be incorporated onto any lowerbody garments as described herein and, as shown, is incorporated into ofa pair of pajama bottoms 40. Gusset 38 has a central rectangular section41 and a front section 42 and a rear section 43 with curved edges 44.Curved edges 44 of front section 42 and rear section 43 are taperedwhere sections 42, 43 meet central rectangular section 41. Front section42 and rear section 43 of gusset 38 can be either the same size ordifferent sizes. Alternatively, rear section 43 can be omittedaltogether, or rear section 43 of gusset 38 can simply be generallyrectangular. In a further preferred embodiment, the entire gusset 39 canbe substantially rectangular.

As shown in FIG. 13, the leg pieces 46 of pajama bottoms 40 are sewnalong the edges of gusset 38. Front section 42 of gusset 38 preferablyextends at least 33% up the inner front face of pajama bottoms 40 towardthe waistband 47 and, in any case, outside of protected region 11. Rearsection 43 of gusset 38, if present, preferably extends sufficiently upthe inner rear face of pajama bottoms 40 toward waistband 47. Therelative distance will, of course, change depending on the overall size,shape, and rise of the garment. Gusset 38 can be made from a singlelayer of the same material from which the other pattern pieces of pajamabottoms 40 are made. Gusset 38 can also be constructed from one or morelayers of different fabrics cut to be the same size and shape that arejoined together. The top layer in multi-ply embodiments can be made ofany material, such as but not limited to cotton, silk, flannel, jersey,or fleece. Preferably, the bottom layer in multiply embodiments can bemade from the same fabric as the other pattern pieces of pajama bottoms40.

As shown in FIGS. 14-17, an alternative lower body “pajama-style”garment 60 is provided. In this embodiment, the garment 60 consistsgenerally of two pant leg pieces 62, 64, and a waistband 66. In priorart pajama pants, the seams of the leg pieces that are sewn together toconstruct the pants are stitched such that the extra material thatprotrudes from the stitching exists on the inside of the pants, and fourseams converge in a central location in the genital region. Moreover,pajama pants are often constructed of bulkier materials such as flannel,fleece, and the like, which causes the seams to be especially thick,which renders the location of the seams in the protected regionespecially problematic. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, allof the seams 67 that traverse any part of the protected region areconfigured such that the material 70 that extends from the seam extendsexternal of the pants 60, as seen best with reference to FIGS. 16 and17. This novel construction, having all crotch seams on the outer face,external to the wearer provides increased comfort to the wearer.

In another preferred embodiment, a novel gusset 70 is utilized in apajama-pant garment 75, as seen in FIGS. 18-22, which adds additionalcomfort to the wearer. Gusset 70 is substantially rectangular, and whenincorporated into pants 75 extends from the front of waistband 77 ofpants 75 to the rear of waistband 77. As shown in FIGS. 20-22, gusset 70may comprise one piece of material, or multiple pieces of material, andcan be sewn into waistband 77 of pants 75. Furthermore, gusset 70provides the attachment means between pant legs 76, 78 of pants 75, asbest seen with respect to FIG. 22. This construction of pants 75utilizing gusset 70 provides superior comfort to the wearer while alsomitigating upward migration of the garment that tends to occur throughnormal use of such garments.

For each preferred pajama-bottom embodiments, all seams can be moved tothe exterior face of the garment such that the raw seams are out ofdirect contact with protected region 11, and are thus visible on theoutside of the garment when it is worn, as seen best with reference toFIGS. 14-17.

In another preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 23-25, two gussetpattern pieces are attached together such that all seams are concealedand outside of the protected region 11 of a wearer. Different shapes ofgusset pattern pieces can be used for this multi-ply gusset. As shown,the gusset pattern pieces have the shape of the thong embodimentdiscussed above. A first gusset pattern piece 83 is overlaid onto asecond gusset pattern piece 84 of similar size and shape. The two gussetpatterns pieces are then attached along three edges, as shown in FIG.23, such that the seams resulting from the attachment are locatedoutside the protected region 11 of a wearer. The attached gusset patternpieces are then turned inside out, as shown in FIG. 24, such that allseams are concealed, as shown in FIG. 25. This novel construction,having all crotch seams concealed, provides increased comfort to thewearer.

In another preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 26-27, an elongatedgusset 85 comprises a crotch panel of a lower body garment 86. Gusset 85can be incorporated into any lower body garments as described hereinand, as shown, is incorporated into a pair of women's pantyhose 86.Gusset 85 can be made from a single layer of material, or from one ormore layers of material cut to be the same size and shape that arejoined together outside the protected region 11 of a wearer. As shown inFIG. 27, across a vertical axis 87 of gusset 85, there are twosubstantially symmetrical halves. The vertical outer edge of each halfis generally concaved outward at the top 88, generally concaved inwardat the middle 89, and generally concaved outward at the bottom 90. Thetopmost edge 91 and bottommost edge 92 of gusset 85 come generally to apoint. The vertical length of gusset 85 is preferably approximately 9½inches long. The width at the narrowest point 93 of gusset 85 ispreferably approximately 2½ inches. The width at the widest point 94 ofgusset 85 is preferably approximately 3½ inches. Preferably, thedimensions of the elongated gusset can vary as the lower body garmentinto which it is incorporated increases or decreases in size, but thegusset will generally retain the preferred relative proportions.

Having described certain embodiments of the invention, it should beunderstood that the invention is not limited to the above description orthe attached exemplary drawings. Rather, the scope of the invention isdefined by the claims appearing herein below and any equivalents thereofas would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gusset for an undergarment comprising: a. Afirst pattern piece, having a top generally horizontal edge, a bottomgenerally horizontal edge, and two side edges, and is generallysymmetrical across a vertical axis running between said top edge andsaid bottom edge; b. A second pattern piece, having a top generallyhorizontal edge, a bottom generally horizontal edge, and two side edges,and is generally symmetrical across a vertical axis running between saidtop edge and said bottom edge; c. Wherein said first pattern piece andsaid second pattern piece are attached together near said edges suchthat no seams resulting from the attachment are exposed within theprotected region of the wearer.
 2. The gusset of claim 1 wherein saidtop horizontal edge of said first pattern piece is approximately 6⅞inches; said bottom horizontal edge of said first pattern piece isapproximately 2⅞ inches; said vertical axis of said first pattern pieceis approximately 11½ inches; said top horizontal edge of said secondpattern piece is approximately 6½ inches; said bottom horizontal edge ofsaid second pattern piece is approximately 2½ inches; and said verticalaxis of said second pattern piece is approximately 11½ inches.
 3. Thegusset of claim 1 wherein said top horizontal edge of said first patternpiece is approximately 6⅞ inches; said bottom horizontal edge of saidfirst pattern piece is approximately 2⅞ inches; said vertical axis ofsaid first pattern piece is approximately 11½ inches; said tophorizontal edge of said second pattern piece is approximately 6⅞ inches;said bottom horizontal edge of said second pattern piece isapproximately 2⅞ inches; and said vertical axis of said second patternpiece is approximately 11½ inches.
 4. A process for creating a gussetfor an undergarment comprising: a. Creating a first gusset pattern piecefrom a selected material, where said first gusset pattern piece has afront edge, a rear edge, and two side edges; b. Creating a second gussetpattern piece from a selected material, where said second gusset patternpiece has a front edge, a rear edge, and two side edges; c. Arrangingsaid gusset pattern pieces such that said front, rear, and side edges ofsaid gusset pattern pieces correspond; d. Attaching said first gussetpattern piece to said second gusset pattern piece along three saidedges, where all seams created by said attachment are outside of aprotected region of a wearer; and e. Turning said attached first andsecond gusset pattern pieces inside out through the unattached edge suchthat all seams created by said attachment are concealed.